Bicycle Safety

Driving on the roads requires care and courtesy whether you are driving a car

or a bicycle. As road users, bicyclistsmust be predictable and obey all

traffic laws by riding in a responsible manner. Do

your part by being a good ambassador to bicycling.

Below are a few bicycle driving rules for your review.

Sure you can balance that bicycle.But do you know how to DRIVE a bike?

Bicycle SafetyDriving on the roads requires care and courtesy

whether you are driving a car or a bicycle. As road users, bicyclists must be

predictable and obey all traffic lawsby riding in a responsible manner.

Do your part by being a good ambassador to bicycling.

Below are a few bicycle driving rules for your review.

Standards and Regulations

Title 18 United States Code, Section 13• DOD Directive 5525.4• AR 385-55 Prevention of Motor Vehicle

Accidents• Title 46 of Revised Code of Washington• FL Reg 190-5 Installation Traffic Code• Washington State Drivers Guide • American National Standards Institute (ANSI)• Snell Memorial Foundation or the American Society

for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Traffic Laws that apply in the State of Washington and on the Fort Lewis Military Reservation.

Statistics

A child is four times more likely to be seriously injured in a bicycle crash than to be kidnapped by a stranger

About 900 bicycle riders are killed in the U.S. every year, 90% involve collisions with cars, and 75% of them die of brain injuries

Statistics

Distribution of bicycle deaths:

49% of all deaths occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m

Summer: May, June and July have the highest percent of bicycle related deaths

About six times as many bicycle deaths are males compared with females

33% of deaths occurred at intersections

Bicycle incidents are most likely to occur within 5 blocks of home

StatisticsDistribution of bicycle deaths:

Almost half of all bicycle crashes occur in driveways and on sidewalks.

96% of bicyclists killed were reportedly not wearing helmets.

Medical research shows that 88% of cyclists’ brain injuries can be prevented by a bicycle helmet.

Universal use of helmets could prevent one death every day and one brain injury every four minutes.

Having friends or parents who wear bike helmets significantly encourages children to use them.

Rules for the Road

Obey All Traffic LawsBicycles are vehicles and must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs and traffic signals. It can be tempting to ignore traffic rules, but this is when most crashes occur.

Ride With TrafficAlways ride on the right side of the road. Do not pass motorists on the right. If you approach an intersection with a right turn lane and intend to continue straight, ride in the through lane with traffic.

Rules for the Road

Signal All TurnsLook back before you make a lane change or turn. Signal safely in advance using one of these signals.

Making Left Hand TurnsYou may turn left as a vehicle (1) by moving into the left side of the travel lane (or left turn lane). OR Cross like a pedestrian (2) by stopping, dismounting, and walking across crosswalks.

Rules for the Road

Always Ride With Lights at NightMaine State Law requires a headlight and rear red reflectors visible from at least 500 feet when riding at night. Flashing tail lights and light colored and/or reflective clothing are highly recommended. See and be seen!

Riding with Others

Communicate With Other CyclistsLet other cyclists behind you know when you approach hazards. Inform cyclists in front when you are drafting. Call out with a friendly greeting when you are passing. Do not shout "All Clear" at stop signs as each cyclist must take personal responsibility and obey traffic laws.

Ride Single File in TrafficAlways ride single file except when passing others. Also, notify other bicyclists of approaching cars.

Watch for Potential HazardsScan the road 100 feet ahead for hazards such as debris, tracks, drains or potholes. Allow time to maneuver around these hazards and negotiate with traffic. Avoid riding into an opening with traffic. Avoid riding into open car doors by giving yourself 3 or 4 feet.

Riding with Others

Warn Others When ApproachingBicyclists must yield to pedestrians. Be courteous by warning others with a ring of your bell or a friendly greeting. Allow plenty of space when passing. Obey All Traffic Laws

Bicycles are vehicles and must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs and traffic signals. It can be tempting to ignore traffic rules, but this is when most crashes occur.

Riding with Others

Ride With TrafficAlways ride on the right side of the road. Do not pass motorists on the right. If you approach an intersection with a right turn lane and intend to continue straight, ride in the through lane with traffic.

Signal Before StoppingWhen you are preparing to slow or stop, indicate your intentions to others using hand and verbal warnings.

Riding with Others

Pull Off Road When StoppedIf you need to stop for any reason, pull completely off the road to avoid obstructing other bicyclists and other road users.

Riding with Others

Watch for AnimalsAnimals are often excited by the movement of bicycles. Always yield to horses. Most unleashed dogs are not dangerous. Simply stopping may halt their chase. Squirting water and a forceful "NO!" also work well.

Use Care at Rail CrossingsAlways cross train tracks at right angles and avoid drain grates to prevent your front wheel getting pulled down.

Other Important Tips

Don't Swerve Between Parked CarsRide in a predictable manner by proceeding in a straight line.

Make Eye ContactThe best way to communicate your intentions with other drivers is to get their attention with eye contact.

Be Prepared for Weather ConditionsIf it's raining, allow yourself extra distance to stop. If it's clear, use ample sunscreen and drink extra water.

Other Important Tips

Anticipate HillsAnticipate hills by shifting in advance.

Only Pass on the LEFTOnly pass on the left of other cyclists. Call out a friendly greeting to warn them.

Create GapsCreate gaps in the line to allow space for passing cyclists or cars to advance.

Other Important Tips

Think For Yourself -- Fight Mob MentalityWhen riding in a large group, the "strength in numbers" can be intoxicating. Remember that individual thinking and action is essential for everyone's safety.

Other Important Tips

Maintain & Regularly Inspect Your EquipmentBe safe and keep your bike tuned up. Take it to a bike shop at least twice a year for professional inspection. Secure any loads tightly to a rack or trailer. Before every ride be sure to:

-make sure the brakes work properly and don't rub

-check tires and make sure they are firm

-make certain quick releases and other bolts are tight

Before You Ride

Be PreparedAlways take along basic tools, patch kit, pump, a few extra dollars, and some spare change (for a pay phone). In addition to water bottles, pack an energy bar just in case your ride lasts longer than expected.

Dress for the OccasionWear bright colors to be easily seen. Don't wear loose clothing and don't leave any laces or strings dangling or they may get tangled in the gears or wheels. Cycling gloves protect your hands and help reduce fatigue. NEVER wear headphones on a bike -- you need all your senses!

Before You Ride

Wear a Helmet Correctly Helmets are required by law for anyone under 16 but everyone should wear a helmet to prevent head injury. However, if your helmet doesn't fit properly, it isn't likely to serve you well if you crash.

Do the "Eyes, Ears, Mouth Test" every time you go biking. First, place the helmet on your head -- it should be level and snug. If it slides around you need to insert additional pads.

Before You Ride

Eyes -- looking up past your eyebrows, you should see the very edge of the helmet

Ears -- the straps should meet right under your earlobes

Mouth -- when buckled, the strap should be loose enough so you can breathe and insert two fingers between it and your chin, but tight enough that if you drop your jaw you can feel the helmet pull down on the top of your head

Before You Ride

Ensuring a good helmet fit at first can take some time. Some helmets need minor adjustments every day, but usually only take a moment to adjust properly. If you have problems, your local bike shop can help.

Before You Ride

Advantages of a Jersey

While there isn't anything wrong with wearing a T-shirt while biking, bike jerseys offer several advantages.

Technical fabrics provide moisture-wicking properties that remove sweat from your skin and bring it to the surface, where it rapidly evaporates. This increases comfort while riding and keeps you from becoming cold and damp when you come to a stop after a period of exertion.

Dressing For Safety

Advantages of a Jersey

Three back pockets provide a convenient place to store a wallet, gloves, energy bars, or even a lightweight jacket. The pockets are located on the back instead of the sides prevent them from rubbing against your legs while pedaling

Extended fabric on the back covers your lower back when you are bent over in a "tucked bicycling position.

Dressing For Safety

Advantages of a Jersey

Snug-fitting jerseys don't flap in the wind or snag on things like tree branches as easily as looser fitting T-shirts

Bright colors make you more visible to other vehicles on the road

Dressing For Safety

Questions?

Bicycle Safety